Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Entertaining with Grace


As Christmas approaches, I find myself dreaming up all the different ways to stuff every last ounce of holiday cheer into one small apartment. I dream about stringing lights and Christmas trees in every room, candy canes and baby' s breath wreaths, garland and silver and gold pine combs, advent calenders and gingerbread houses, nutcrackers and snowflakes, reindeer costumes for dogs and stockings hung by the (imaginary) fire place...and then I come back to reality and realize I do not work for Martha Stewart...at least not yet. 







And while decorating and entertaining have become essential to Christmas, I have been thinking of ways to capture the beauty of the season while also giving back. I came across these great finds all from different Fair Trade organizations that each support local artisans and their families from around the world. I will definitely think about incorporating a few of these into my Christmas decorating and entertaining. 



White Glitter Snowflake made in Ecuador
Star Bright Bowl made in India
Jacaranda Salad Servers made in Kenya
Onyx Allure Goblet made in Pakistan


Capiz Star Ornament made in Philippines
Cheese Tray made in Pakistan
Reindeer Bowl made in India
Ceramic Starlight Ornaments made in Bangladesh
Gold Star Garland made in Bangladesh
All of the above items are from Ten Thousand Villages, a great Fair Trade retailer. They create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by selling their products online. An added bonus is that on their website you can read the story behind each artisan and the pieces they craft. 
Seven Hopes United Olive Stripe Table Runner made in Indonesia

Tiger Lily Trading Napkin Rings

Toulouse Beige Napkins made in Bali

Latitudes Fair Trade Banana Fiber Napkin Rings

Living & Giving Madison Grey Striped Entree Plate
Driftwood Christmas Wreath from Not on the High Street

Origami Doves handmade in Bangladesh






Monday, November 26, 2012

Bohemian Rhapsody


A friend of mine has asked me to help her decorate the bedroom in her new apartment. She wants a calming space that captures her free spirit personality. Here is my inspiration:










And here's how I am hoping to achieve the look...for less. 



1. Draping around the bed
Indian Gauze Canopy from World Market 

2.  Love this Indian fabric which can be used as a throw or made into a duvet for the bed
Brick House Fabrics

3. Mirror
Pottery Barn


4.  Side Tables
Inlaid Side Table from One Kings Lane



5. Pillows


Sally Campbell Pillows

6. Lighting

Graham and Green Chandelier


7. Floor

ABC Home

7. Wall Display
DIY bookshelves

8. An Accent Wall
Anthropologie Wallpaper



Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Winter Whites

I love white. I love white in the summer. I love white in the winter. And as much as I love a pop of color, there is nothing more chic than white on white accents. Take a look...








Get the look with these chic finds:

Metallic Wood "Periodic" Coffee Table by Council
Crate and Barrel Petrie Sofa


Zara Home Ramio-Velvet Pillows
Arteriors Wade Polished Nickel Bar Cart

Moroccan Wedding Blanket
Jonathan Adler Lacquer Tray 
Linden Wood Tripod Floor Lamp

Brass Indian Stool
Pottery Barn White Lattice Mirror




Serena and Lily Malibu Chandelier
Wisteria Desk Accent
Wold Market Mercury Glass Lantern
World Market Horn Vases





White on White Coffee Table Books


And Finally a White and Fawn French Bulldog, Obviously